I found the contents truly fascinating. Five chapters contain the presentations and discussions of some 40 particle physicists and historians and philosophers of science from around the world. The topics include early x-ray discoveries, quantum field theory, the development of meson physics in Japan, and much more.
In addition to being a valuable information source on particle physics, this book provides a deeper look at the more general scientific process. I was left with the impression that mixing professional scientists and professional philosophers in such a symposium doesn't quite work. As one of the physicist participants noted "When I hear words in a physics meeting about ontology, it makes me cringe." Note also the following lunar observation by the Japanese historian and philosopher of science Takehiko Takabayasi: "Thus Taketanu formulated the three stage theory … according to which our recognition of nature proceeds by repeated cycles of phenomenological, substantialistic, and ...